Endurance

Strength

Balance

Flexibility

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do - not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Select one of the activities to learn more.

Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. The American Heart Association recommends including a variety of endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility activities in your regular exercise routine. Many activities include different elements of multiple types of exercise, such as yoga —which can improve balance, strength, and flexibility.

Fitting exercise into a busy schedule can be challenging, but setting realistic goals and establishing a routine can help. Also, campus offers many resources through student wellness, campus gyms, intramural sports, and student activity classes. Decide today how you will become more active.

For more information visit the American Heart Association website.

Endurance

Why?

Endurance activites, also known as aerobic, activities can improve cardiovascular health.

What?

Walking, jogging, running, spinning, swimming, hiking, dancing, kickboxing, climbing stairs.

How Much?

The American Heart Association recommends that adults do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 5 days per week OR 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity at least 3 days per week.

Strength

Why?

Strength training, also known as resistance training, builds muscle, increasing your metabolic rate and making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, strength training can contribute to increased bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

What?

Lifting weights, using body weight (push-ups, sit-ups, yoga), using resistance bands.

How Much?

The American Heart Association recommends that adults include moderate to high-intensity strengthening activities as part of their regular exercise at least 2 days a week.

Balance

Why?

Balance exercises improve strength, prevent injury, and increase your ability to do every day activities.

What?

Yoga, Tai Chi, standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, many lower-body strength exercises.

How Much?

The American Heart Association recommends that adults include balance activities as part of their regular exercise 3 or more days a week.

Flexibility

Why?

Flexibility exercises elongate muscles, which can improve range of motion and prevent injury.

What?

Stretching, yoga, pilates.

How Much?

The American Heart Association recommends that stretching be part of your daily exercise routine. You should only stretch when your muscles are already warm, such as after walking or other exercise.